Jeannie leaned back on her bed, yawning and stretching out her long tanned legs. The late afternoon sun was peeking through the crack in the draperies and Jeannie thought to herself, this day has certainly been boring. She had intentionally stayed upstairs, choosing to spend the entire day in her room reading, watching TV and surfing the internet, anything to avoid facing Shane.

When she had gone to bed last night she was truly angry, furious at Shane for grounding her. She was convinced that her punishment far exceeded her crime, and that Shane had far exceeded his role. But in the calmness of the day, Jeannie came to realize she had been wrong staying out so late, and drinking, too. As much as she disliked admitting to it, she couldn't excuse her behavior and had to at least acknowledge that her punishment was deserved and Shane was justified in giving it. But there was no way she could excuse the harsh words she had hurled at him. She grimaced remembering the sad look in his eyes.

It was now close to five o'clock and Jeannie knew her friends would soon be heading to the concert. She looked across her room and saw the sundress she had bought especially for the night hanging on the hook. "Well there's no reason to change out of my shorts and t-shirt," she said to herself. "Tonight will be just as boring as the day was." But Jeannie knew she couldn't hide in her room much longer. Eventually she had to go downstairs and face Shane. She just wasn't sure what kind of reception to expect and dreaded the confrontation. Rolling over on her stomach, Jeannie realized she couldn't stall any longer. Taking a deep breath, she pushed herself up from the bed and headed downstairs.

"I was wondering when you would finally come down." Shane looked up from the report he was reading when Jeannie stepped into the living room. His eyes were warm and friendly which helped to ease the tension between them.

"There was a lot to do in my bedroom," Jeannie shrugged.

Shane grinned picturing Jeannie confined to her bedroom with a wide screen TV and computer to keep her company. He hoped she had gotten over the disappointment of missing the concert. It had troubled him to ground her but Shane felt she had left him no choice. Missing curfew was one thing but he couldn't overlook the drinking. He still questioned whether he had done the right thing and wondered all night what Kim would have done in his place.

"So, are you hungry?" Shane asked rubbing his hands together. He didn't think Jeannie had had anything to eat.

"Yeah, a little." In truth, Jeannie was famished. She hadn't eaten all day.

Shane got up from the desk and headed towards the kitchen. "What are you in the mood for?"

Jeannie followed him with her eyes, unsure what to make of his mood. Shane seemed genuinely good-natured, as if last night hadn't happened, and the words she had said to him had never been spoken. He turned to face her waiting for an answer and Jeannie suggested warily, "Let's see, last night was pizza. I suppose tonight we can bring in Chinese."

"I beg your pardon," Shane said, exaggerating indignation. "I can assure you I am very capable in the kitchen. As a matter-of-fact, I am known for whipping up a rather good omelet." Shane smiled at the memory before continuing, "Just don't tell your mother I still crack eggs one-handed."

Jeannie looked at him puzzled, not understanding his last comment. Ignoring her look, Shane put his arm around Jeannie's shoulder and guided her toward the kitchen. "Come on, you can help shred the cheese."

"So those are the colleges I'm thinking of applying to," Jeannie said taking a last forkful of her omelet. Preparing dinner together had helped to further ease the tension between the two. Shane wasn't quite the master in the kitchen as he had led her to believe so there were plenty of pratfalls and laughter before dinner was served. Jeannie once again found herself having a good time with Shane. It was hard not to like him. He was so charming and thoughtful and a good listener, too. Jeannie could tell he really cared what she had to say. The dinner conversation had steered towards Jeannie's plans after high school. Shane had listened intently to all her options, impressed how clear she was at what her future held. "I know all the schools are in California but I really like California," she finished explaining.

"They are all good choices. I was glad Andrew chose to study in England but it's not for everybody," Shane acknowledged, as the two walked into the livingroom and took seats opposite each other. "I do hope, though, you'll think about coming to visit Donovan Manor soon. You haven't been there in a while. Maybe Fall Break? Andrew could join us," Shane suggested, adding the Andrew part as an enticement.

"Yeah, maybe," Jeannie murmured. "Andrew always said this house reminded him of Donovan Manor."

"You don't really remember this house, do you?" Jeannie shook her head no. "Well, you were awfully young when you lived here."

"Andrew use to tell me all about this house, though." Shane settled back in his chair and listened as Jeannie recalled Andrew's stories. "He told me about the tire swing you hung down by the lake, and his favorite hiding spot under the stairs where he claimed no one could ever find him."

Shane chuckled at the recollection remembering how he and Kim would see Andrew peeking out from beneath the stairs, hopelessly trying to stifle his giggles so he wouldn't be found. "He was quite the phantom of the house."

"Yeah? Well, he was a braggart, too. He always bragged about the stables and his horse Winnie. I was terribly jealous until Phillip bought me my own horse." Jeannie bit her lip, uncomfortable at having mentioned Phillip but Shane simply nodded and smiled at her. "Andrew just made it seem like such a happy place here."

"It was … once." Then, almost in a dreamlike state, Shane shared his favorite memory of the house. "What I remember most is when Andrew was little I use to dance all around this room with him. He would scream with delight as I twirled and twirled him around."

"Did you ever do that with me?" Jeannie asked, her voice faltering.

"No, I didn't." Then added quietly, "But I wish I had."

"I wish you had, too."

Shane paused for a moment contemplating Jeannie's last comment, then stood and walked to the ipod station. Instantly, the music of Kelly Clarkson filled the room and Shane headed back to where Jeannie was sitting. "Can I have this dance?" he asked and without waiting for an answer, pulled her to her feet and twirled her about the room to the swelling rhythm of Breakaway. As the music got faster, they twirled faster until Jeannie couldn't help but scream in delight. What mastery Shane lacked in the kitchen, he more than made up on the dance floor. He expertly twirled Jeannie around the room, song after song, and Jeannie reveled in his attention. Finally, both out-of-breaths, they dropped on the sofa panting and laughing.

"Now I have a new memory for this house," Shane gasped trying to catch his breath.

Jeannie smiled at his comment. She could feel the old anger towards Shane fading away and found she liked the new way she was feeling about him. "I better get to sleep," Jeannie announced. "I have to pick up Mom early tomorrow."

"I can get her Jeannie."

"No, it's okay. I said I'd pick her up if I got the car and Mom is really into deal-making." Jeannie explained, rolling her eyes. And then more quietly asked, "Are you going to tell her about last night?"

Shane pursed his lips and shook his head. "No. Let's just keep that between us."

Relieved, Jeannie headed for the stairs but at the last moment turned and quietly said, "Good-night Dad," before heading upstairs.

Shane watched her climb the stairs, knowing that was the first time in a long time that Jeannie had called him dad. Tonight had been a good night and Shane couldn't wait for Kimberly to get home.